ENVIRONMENT

Heat Wave Scorches West and South with Temperatures up to 118°F

PUBLISHED Aug 21, 2026, 2:17 PM ET

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A prolonged heat wave is gripping the Southwest and South-Central United States, with the National Weather Service warning of dangerously high temperatures and heat-related illness risks. An Extreme Heat Warning issued Friday covers Death Valley, the lower Colorado River Valley and parts of Arizona, California and Nevada, where temperatures may reach 115 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit and other locations may reach 107 to 110 degrees. In Texas, heat warnings and advisories cover areas, with North Texas temperatures reaching 108 degrees and heat-index values approaching 109 to 111 degrees in several regions. Austin and San Antonio are experiencing persistent triple-digit temperatures. The weather service says a strong ridge of high pressure is sustaining the pattern, with limited rainfall and little relief expected through next week. The original report's references to Colorado and New Jersey illness spikes were not independently verified in accessible current sources and should be omitted unless separately documented.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On August 17, 2026, Phoenix entered an Extreme Heat Warning.
On August 19, 2026, Death Valley forecast temperatures reached 118°F.
On August 20, 2026, Texas heat advisories expanded across regions.
On August 20, 2026, Houston faced heat indexes above 106°F.
On August 21, 2026, North Texas retained Extreme Heat Warning status.
On August 21, 2026, Death Valley remained under Extreme Heat Warning.
On August 21, 2026, Texas temperatures approached 109°F across areas.
Over coming days, Southwest heat warnings are expected to continue.
Through August 25, 2026, Texas heat is forecast to persist.
Into late August, persistent heat could worsen drought conditions regionally.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Dangerous heat raises illness risks across Texas and Southwest communities.
Possible long-term US impact: Persistent heat could increase drought stress, energy demand, and health risks.
Reader priority: Prioritize NWS warnings, local forecasts, and verified emergency-agency updates online.
Most Affected: Outdoor workers, older adults, vulnerable residents, utilities, agriculture, and Southwestern communities.